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Safe summer in Kansas City: Know the signs of heat-related illness.

Heat and humidity are hard on everyone, but they can be life-threatening to the very young, the very old and to those taking medications. The best way to prevent injury is to stay cool and to avoid over exertion on hot days. However, heat-related illnesses often occur in nursing homes and day care situations when inadequate care is taken to make sure that the elderly residents or little ones are safe from the heat. Heat illnesses are also common on construction sites where workers must do strenuous work during hot weather.

It is important that care givers and supervisors be able to recognize the signs of heat related illness.

Heat rash - Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It is most common in young children, but can occur at any age. It looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters and often occurs on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases. Treatment involves keeping the body cool and dusting powder may be used to relieve discomfort. Heat rash is not dangerous, but it can be assign of negligence.

Heat cramps – Heat cramps are muscle spasms or pain in the abdomen, arms, or legs that occurs in association with strenuous activity, but heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion. They occur when the salt in the body is depleted by sweating. Those who experience heat cramps should rest for at least one hour and drink juice or a sports drink such as Gatorade. If they do not go away in an hour, seek medical attention. People who have heart problems or are on a low-sodium diet, should seek immediate medical care for heat cramps.

Heat exhaustion - Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures with inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. The elderly, those with high blood pressure, and those working or exercising in a hot environment are most prone to heat exhaustion.

The warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:

• Heavy sweating

• Paleness

• Muscle cramps

• Tiredness

• Weakness

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Nausea or vomiting

• Fainting

Those with heat exhaustion should rest and cool down. If there is no improvement in one hour, seek immediate medical care as heat exhaustion may progress to heat stroke.

Heat stroke – Heat stroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. In heatstroke victims, the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if immediate emergency treatment is not provided. More than half of heat stroke victims die.

Warning signs of heat stroke vary, but can include any of the following:

• Symptoms of heat exhaustion

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)

• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)

• Profuse sweating

• Rapid, strong pulse

• Throbbing headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Confusion

• Altered mental status

• Unconsciousness

In day care centers and nursing homes, heat illness can be assign of negligence. To learn more call the Kansas City personal injury lawyers at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys at 1-888-348-2616.

If you suffered from heat related illness while on-the-job, contact our Missouri Worker’s Compensation Attorneys at 1-888-348-2616.

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Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys
1102 Grand Blvd., Ste 1901
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-471-5111
Toll Free: 888-348-2616
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Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys*
11900 College Boulevard, Suite 300
Overland Park, KS 66210
*By Appointment Only: Heather A. Lottmann & Victor B. Finkelstein

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Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys
1102 Grand Blvd., Ste 1901
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-471-5111
Toll Free: 888-348-2616
Get Directions

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